Adam Lallana’s transfer to Liverpool has dominated much of the media coverage of the summer transfer window so far.

Lallana looked to be set for a £25 million move to Anfield, but the deal is seemingly in jeopardy with Southampton reluctant to sell their prized asset and Brendan Rodgers’ men starting to look elsewhere.

The England international is understood to be desperate for a move to the Premier League runners-up, but Saints are keen to ensure they do not lose any more of their star players, with Luke Shaw looking set to follow Rickie Lambert and depart St. Mary’s.

Liverpool are now close to giving up on securing the 26-year-old and we look at three targets who they may now chose to pursue instead.

Valbeuna may be sleight, but he makes up for his lack of physicality with his wonderful movement and creativity.

Capable of unlocking any defence, the 29-year-old looks a bargain at the price he is available for and he would be perfect for being able to provide chances for the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez.

Ivan Rakitic

The only midfielder in La Liga, other than Gareth Bale, to get into double-figures for goals and assists over the last season, Rakitic is rapidly establishing himself as one of the best players in his position on the planet.

He has been Sevilla’s main man over the last campaign and it will take a sizable fee to persuade the club to allow him to leave, but Liverpool are likely to be able to afford it with their return to Champions League football.

One of the most under-rated players in world football, there are very few weaknesses to Muller’s game and his passion and desire would fit right in with Liverpool’s principles.

He would likely be the most costly of the aforementioned trio, but if Rodgers is looking to secure players who have proven their talented enough to play in Europe’s most high-profile competition then he is the ideal man.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.